February 2021

21 Buckden Roundabout February 2021 Buckden Village Hall Trust Activity Update It will come as no surprise that the Hall remains closed until further notice on government guidelines. This was very disappointing news, as we had planned on re - opening on 11 January. The emails are still being monitored, so we can make future bookings or answer any queries you may have. We continue to work remotely, and the Hall is under CCTV surveillance. • The preschool remains open, as per government guide- lines. All other clubs, classes and activities are suspended. • We have offered the Hall to the Buckden and Little Paxton surgery as a vaccination centre, if required, which was greatly appreciated by the surgery. The Hall is fully Covid - 19 compliant, as we invested in all necessary sanitary equipment last year. The Hall continues to host regular blood donation days through the NHS. • Following a willingness from the Football Association to provide a grant and a very generous donation from a Buckden resident, we are working on replacing the old metal storage containers on the playing field and replace them with a proper storage building adjacent to the pavil- ion. We are also planning to refurbish the pavilion, funds permitting. An architect has been retained, and building quotes are being reviewed. • We are sourcing a new mower to keep the pitches in good condition. Our current mower is over 20 years old and ‘ falling to bits ’, as our Treasurer phrases it. • We submitted detailed bids to Huntingdon District Council for CIL monies to support two major projects: • Replacing and widening the 1.5 km of paths around the Valley and the playing pitches to allow better access; and • Dredging the Valley and restoring it to its former glory. • Decision on grant awards is expected in February and fur- ther grant - raising will be required to complete the pro- jects. • We are working with the Charity Commission to revise our legal status as an unincorporated Charity and operate un- der a new ‘ Scheme ’ as it is called which will allow us more freedom to grant leases and support community activities. We are also working on renewal of two Club leases which expire this year. • We have been offered a display of local artifacts found at the Lucks Lane development site to put up in the Hall. We have been liaising with the chairman of Buckden Local History Society and discussions are being made as to whether to create a temporary educational display when the Hall re - opens or something more permanent such as photos. • The trees along the playing field which back onto the Vine- yard Way gardens will be trimmed in February to keep them in shape. • Our Treasurer, Des Foster, was awarded a silver medal as runner up to Volunteer of the Year by Hunts Forum for all his financial work on behalf of the Hall during the Covid - 19 pandemic. Well deserved! Congratulations Des! New Trustee Following the Trust leafleting the whole village in November asking for people to put themselves forward as volunteers or trustees, we have had a good response from people wanting to volunteer to help, particularly with the Valley. The Valley is a precious refuge for nesting and migrating wildlife, so any work will need to be undertaken with expert instruction and outside the breeding season. However, we are still looking for new trustees and in partic- ular trustees who are willing and able to take up the Chair and Treasurer roles . If you are interested, please get in touch by emailing admin@buckdenvillagehall.co.uk Both roles provide interesting work in legal matters, finance and general management, and it is positive way for you to help your local community. How all of you can help Buckden Village Hall when buying online 1. Go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ buckdenvillagehall 2. Sign up for free 3. Get shopping! It doesn ’ t cost you anything more the online shops make the donations and are collected by easy- fundraising and automatically sent to us! There are no catches or hidden charges, and Buckden Vil- lage Hall Trust will be extremely grateful for your donations, especially at this difficult time. If you shop using Amazon. You can shop and donate to the village hall by using www.smile.amazon.co.uk just follow the instructions and then amazon will make a small donation to the trust for everything you buy. Shopping using the smile URL is just the same as using the normal amazon website. Don ’ t forget to select Buckden Recreation Ground and Village Hall Trust as your nominated charity. Keep safe everyone.Buckden Village Hall Trust (811101/admin@buckdenvillagehall.co.uk) Office hours: office is closed, but emails are being moni- tored Burberry Road, Buckden, Cambridgeshire, PE19 5UY Tel: 01480 811101 www. buckdenvillagehall.co.uk email: admin@buckdenvillagehall.co.uk